Bagnell caps off fantastic career with TD record

BISMARCK, N.D. — Polson High School graduate Craig Bagnell ended a stellar four-year football career at the University of Mary with a bang on Saturday, setting the school record for touchdown passes in the Marauders’ 31-15 victory over the University of Minnesota Crookston.

Bagnell, a four-year starter for Mary, threw three touchdown passes in the game to run his career total to 75, breaking the previous record of 73 set by Chris Schwab in 1999.

That’s not the only school record the 2009 Polson grad set for the Marauders. He’s also the NCAA Division II school’s all-time leader in passing yards (9,170), completions (759) and pass attempts (1,229).

“The records will be kind of cool to look back on, but during the season I wasn’t really thinking about it,” Bagnell said.

The senior credited his coaching staff and teammates for making his career what it was.

“The guys I’ve played with have been great. They’ve worked their tails off for the team,” Bagnell said. “My football knowledge is more than I ever thought it could be. I’m just thankful that I got to play at such a young age and be able to keep it up.”

The Marauders finished the 2013 campaign with a 6-5 record and a 4-3 mark in the Northern Sun Conference’s North Division. It was the Marauders’ first winning season since moving up to Division II in 2006, Bagnell said.

Bagnell ranked second in the 16-team Northern Sun with 276.9 passing yards per game this season, throwing 23 touchdown passes and just eight interceptions. He ranked fourth in the conference in total offense (297.1 yards per game). His career completion mark is also a conference record.

After graduation, Bagnell said he wants to catch on as a graduate assistant at a major college football program. He hopes to one day become an offensive coordinator or head coach in the college game.